Tesla is expanding a feature called Powershare Home Backup to more electric vehicles. This technology allows drivers to use their car's battery as an emergency power source to keep home lights and appliances running during a power outage. The feature was previously exclusive to Tesla's Cybertruck, but it is now available for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
To use an electric vehicle as a backup battery, homeowners currently need a Tesla Powerwall 3 home storage system. Tesla stated that only Model 3 and Model Y vehicles ordered from October 1 onward are guaranteed to support the feature, because not all older vehicles include the required inverter component. For Premium and Performance models, Tesla claims the vehicle battery can supply power to a home for over two days.
The feature is currently available in the United States and Puerto Rico, and Tesla plans to add support for older Powerwall systems in the future. While other automakers like Kia, General Motors, and Nissan have offered similar vehicle-to-home charging technologies, this update allows many more Tesla owners to protect their homes during blackouts.